Method of providing and processing a plurality of stored-value cards

ABSTRACT

A method of providing and processing a plurality of stored-value cards includes providing a stored-value card assembly including the plurality of stored-value cards in a housing. The plurality of stored-value cards includes a first stored-value card and a last stored-value card. Each of the plurality of stored-value cards is associated with a different account identifier linking each one of the plurality of stored-value cards to a different financial record or account. The different account identifiers collectively define a series of account identifiers. The method further includes scanning the different account identifier associated with the first stored-value card using a point-of-sale terminal, and scanning the different account identifier associated with the last stored-value card using the point-of-sale terminal. The housing indicates which of the different account identifier associated with the first stored-value card and the last stored-value card should be scanned first. Other card assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/577,652, filed Oct. 12, 2009, which is a Continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/062,894, filed Feb. 22, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.7,614,548, issued Nov. 10, 2009, both of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Stored-value cards and other financial transactions cards come in manyforms. A gift card, for example, is a type of stored-value card thatincludes pre-loaded or selectively loaded monetary value. In oneexample, a customer buys a gift card having a specified value forpresentation as a gift for another person. In another example, acustomer is offered a gift card as an incentive to make a purchase. Agift card, like other stored-value cards, can be “recharged” or“reloaded” at the direction of the bearer. The balance associated withthe card declines as the card is used, encouraging repeat visits to theretailer or other provider issuing the card. Additionally, the cardgenerally remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as anadvertisement or reminder to revisit the associated retailer. Gift cardsprovide a number of advantages to both the consumer and the retailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a method of providing andprocessing a plurality of stored-value cards. The method includesproviding a stored-value card assembly including the plurality ofstored-value cards maintained in a housing. The plurality ofstored-value cards includes a first stored-value card and a laststored-value card. Each of the plurality of stored-value cards isassociated with a different account identifier linking each respectiveone of the plurality of stored-value cards to a different financialrecord or account. The different account identifiers of the plurality ofstored-value cards collectively define a series of account identifiersbounded by the different account identifier associated with the firststored-value card and the different account identifier associated withthe last stored-value card. The method further includes scanning thedifferent account identifier associated with the first stored-value cardusing a point-of-sale terminal, and scanning the different accountidentifier associated with the last stored-value card using thepoint-of-sale terminal. The housing indicates which of the differentaccount identifier associated with the first stored-value card and thedifferent account identifier associated with the last stored-value cardshould be scanned first. Other related products and methods are alsodisclosed and provide additional advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be described with respect to thefigures, in which like reference numerals denote like elements, and inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an exploded, top perspective view of one embodiment of astored-value card assembly, according to the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a top view of one embodiment of a chain of stored-value cardsincluded in the stored-value card assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the chain of stored-value cards of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a side view of one embodiment of the chain of stored-valuecards of FIGS. 2A and 2B being folded for placement in a stored-valuecard assembly, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a front view of one embodiment of an unfolded carrier of astored-value card assembly, according to the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a back view of the unfolded carrier of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5 is a front view of one embodiment of an unfolded sleeve of astored-value card assembly, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6A is a front view of one embodiment of an assembled stored-valuecard assembly, according to the present invention.

FIG. 6B is a back view of the assembled stored-value card assembly ofFIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method of usinga stored-value card assembly, according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method ofprocessing a stored-value card assembly for sale as part of the methodof FIG. 7.

FIG. 9A is a front view of one embodiment of an unfolded greeting cardfor a stored-value card assembly, according to the present invention.

FIG. 9B is a back view of the unfolded greeting card of FIG. 9A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A gift card, financial transaction card, or other stored-value card isadapted for making purchases of goods and/or services from e.g. a retailstore or website. According to one embodiment, an original consumer buysa stored-value card to give a recipient who in turn is able to use thestored-value card at a retail store or setting to pay for the goodsand/or services. Oftentimes, a consumer wishes to buy a large number ofstored-value cards in a single transaction. This is particularly commonfor business owners or employers who purchase stored-value cards for anumber of employees during the holiday season, as part of a motivationor team-building program, or for any other occasion.

A stored-value card assembly, according to embodiments of the presentinvention, provides the consumer with the ability to activate a range ofstored-value cards at one time rather than activating one stored-valuecard at time. By activating a range of stored-value cards at one time,check-out or activation time is decreased, thereby increasing storeefficiency and consumer satisfaction. This benefit further increases asthe number of stored-value cards being purchased by a consumer increasesfrom ten to twenty, twenty to fifty, and so on.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 is an exploded, top perspective view ofone embodiment of stored-value card assembly 10, according to thepresent invention. Stored-value card assembly 10 includes a plurality ofstored-value cards 12 maintained in a package for sale as a packagedunit. In one embodiment, stored-value card assembly further includes aplurality of backers 14 for supporting the stored-value cards 12,housing or sleeve 16, and external wrapper 18. The plurality ofstored-value cards 12 are stacked with the plurality of backers 14 andslid into sleeve 16. External wrapper 18 extends about the remainder ofstored-value card assembly 10 to selectively maintain stored-value cards12 and backers 14 within sleeve 16. Accordingly, the plurality ofstored-value cards 12 and backers 14 are collectively packaged forpurchase during a single transaction.

One embodiment of a representative portion of a plurality ofstored-value cards 12 is illustrated with additional reference to FIGS.2A and 2B. Each of the plurality of stored-value cards 12 includes agenerally planar panel 30 defining first planar surface 32 and secondplanar surface 34 opposite first surface 32. In one embodiment, planarpanel 30 is generally rectangular in shape and is of a size similar tothat of an identification card, a credit card, or other card sized tofit in a wallet of a card bearer. In particular, in one embodiment,stored-value card 12 is about 8.5 cm long, about 5.5 cm wide, and lessthan about 1 mm thick. In other embodiments, planar panel 30 isotherwise shaped as a square, circle, oval, star, or any other suitableshape. Accordingly, planar panel 30 is formed of a somewhat rigid yetflexible material similar to that commonly used for identificationcards, credit cards, etc. In one embodiment, planar panel 30 is formedof a paper, card stock, plastic, e.g. polycarbonate or polyvinylchloride (PVC), etc. In one embodiment, planar panel 30 is formed ofinjection molded plastic or cut from sheet-stock plastic material.

First surface 32 includes brand indicia 36 and/or decorative indicia 38.In one embodiment, brand indicia 36 identify a brand, e.g. a productbrand, a store brand, etc., associated with stored-value card assembly10. In one embodiment, decorative indicia 38 include a backgrounddesign, seasonal or holiday identifier, occasion identifier, mediaformat indicia, and/or any other suitable indicia. In one embodiment,each of the plurality of stored-value cards 12 includes similar,identical, or coordinating decorative indicia as compared to the otherstored-value cards 12. In another embodiment, each of the plurality ofstored-value cards 12 represents a different occasion, event, holiday,etc. For example, one stored-value card 12 includes decorative indicia38 relating to a birthday, while another stored-value card 12 includesdecorative indicia relating to a baby shower.

Second surface 34 of each stored-value card 12 includes accountidentifier 40, such as a barcode, a magnetic strip, a smart chip orother electronic device, a radio frequency identification device, orother suitable identifier readily readable by a point-of-sale terminal,account access station, kiosk, or other suitable device. In oneembodiment, account identifier 40 is printed on second surface 34 ofstored-value card 12. Account identifier 40 indicates a financialaccount or record to which stored-value card 12 is linked. The accountor record of the monetary balance on stored-value card 12 optionally ismaintained on a database, other electronic or manual record-keepingsystem, or, in the case of “smart” cards, for example, on a chip orother electronic device on stored-value card 12 itself. Accordingly, byscanning account identifier 40, a financial account or record linked tostored-value card 12 is identified and can subsequently be activated,have amounts debited therefrom, and/or have amounts added thereto. Withthe above in mind, account identifier 40 is one example of means forlinking stored-value card 12 with a financial account or record and isone example of means for activating or loading value on stored-valuecard 12.

In one embodiment, redemption indicia 42 are included on second surface34. Redemption indicia 42 indicate that each stored-value card 12 isredeemable for the purchase of goods and/or services and that, upon use,a value of the purchased goods and/or services will be deducted from thefinancial account or record linked to stored-value card 12. In oneembodiment, redemption indicia 42 include phrases such as “<NAME OFSTORE> GiftCard” and “This GiftCard is redeemable for merchandise orservices at any of our stores or at our website,” and/or provides helpor phone line information in the case of a lost, stolen, or damagedstored-value card, etc. In one embodiment, other indicia are alsoincluded on second surface 34 including other objects, texts,backgrounds, graphics, etc.

The plurality of stored-value cards 12 are each enclosed within cardwrapper 50 such as a plastic wrapper. In particular, stored-value cards12 are arranged as a generally linear array and are each individuallyenclosed within card wrapper 50. Card wrapper 50 includes first orbottom sheet 52 and second or top sheet 54. Each stored-value card 12 isplaced between first and second sheets 52 and 54, and sheets 52 and 54are sealed, as generally indicated in FIGS. 2A and 2B at 56, about eachstored-value card 12, for example, about all four sides of each storedvalue card 12. Accordingly, a pouch or cavity is defined between sheets52 and 54 for maintaining each stored-value card 12. For example, sheets52 and 54 are elongated and stored-value cards 12 are spaced linearlybetween sheets 52 and 54 to form chain 58 of stored-value cards 12.

In one embodiment, a tear area or perforated line 60 is formed in eachsheet 52 and 54 between two neighboring stored-value cards 12. Morespecifically, perforated line 60 extends laterally between twostored-value cards 12 without generally breaking or decreasing theintegrity of seal 56 around each of the neighboring stored-value cards12. Perforated line 60 facilitates folding of card wrapper 50 betweeneach stored-value card 12 and also facilitates tearing of card wrapper50 between cards to remove one or more of the stored-value cards 12 fromthe remainder of chain 58. In one embodiment, since perforated line 60is positioned between two seal lines 56, one next to a firststored-value card 12 and the other next to a second stored-value card12, tearing card wrapper 50 at perforated line 60 to separatestored-value cards 12 from chain 58 does not release a stored-value card12 from its respective pouch. In one embodiments, other tear areas, suchas areas of card wrapper 50 that are thinner, weaker, or otherwiseconfigured to tear more easily than other portions of card wrapper 50,are used as an alternative to perforated line 60.

In one example, opening perforated line 62 or other tear area extendsparallel to but spaced from a longitudinal edge of card wrapper 50.Perforated line 62 is formed through first and second sheets 52 and 54.Accordingly, upon tearing card wrapper 50 along perforated line 62, apouch or chamber is opened to permit access to the at least onestored-value card 12 placed within the respective pouch. As such, atleast one stored-value card 12 can be slid through the newly createdopening and removed from the respective pouch.

Card wrapper 50, and more particularly, each sheet 52 and 54, isgenerally transparent or translucent. In one embodiment, card wrapper 50is sufficiently translucent to allow account identifier 40 to be scannedand/or read through card wrapper 50. In one example, card wrapper 50 isoriented polypropylene (OPP), cast polypropylene (CPP), polyethylene(PE), or other suitable plastic wrap. Seals 56 are formed via heat,sonic, or other suitable sealing method. As such, card wrapper 50provides one example of means for coupling the plurality of stored-valuecards 12 to one another in a chain.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, chain 58 of stored-valuecards 12 is positioned or stacked for packaging within sleeve 16 byfolding chain 58 at each perforated line 60 in an alternating direction,i.e., chain 58 is folded in accordion style. In one embodiment,stored-value cards 12 are, more particularly, folded in a manner to formtwo adjacent stacks or piles of stored-value cards 12. As such, cardwrapper 50 is not folded about the middle perforated line 60 in chain58. More specifically, chain 58 is folded such that second surfaces 34of the first and the last stored-value card 12 in chain 58 are viewablefrom the top of the stacks. In this manner, account identifier 40(illustrated in FIG. 2B) of each of the first and last stored-valuecards 12 is also viewable from the top of the stacks.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate carrier or backer 14 for supporting one ofstored-value cards 12. Backer 14 comprises a single layer or multiplelayers of paper or plastic material, for example, generally in the formof a relatively stiff but bendable/flexible card. Other materials arealso contemplated. Backer 14 displays indicia, graphics or textinformation including store logo(s), store name(s), slogans,advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotionalinformation, holiday indicia, seasonal indicia, media format identifiers(e.g. characters, logos, scenes, or other illustrations relating to atleast one of a movie, television show, book, etc.), characters, and/orother information.

Indicia 72, for example, include to, from, initial gift card value, andmessage fields. Indicia 74 notify a user and promote that additionalvalue can always be added to or reloaded to stored-value card 12.Indicia 76 are decorative indicia contributing to the overall aestheticsof backer 14. In one embodiment, indicia 76 relate to promotionalinformation, holiday indicia, seasonal indicia, media format identifiers(e.g. characters, logos, scenes, or other illustrations relating to atleast one of a movie, television show, book, etc.), characters, and/orother information. In an example, indicia 76 are similar to orcorrespond with decorative indicia 38 of a related stored-value card 12.Indicia 78 identify a store, brand, department, etc. and/or servicesassociated with stored-value card 12. Any of indicia 72, 74, 76, 78, orother indicia, optionally may appear anywhere on backer 14 or theassociated stored-value card 12. Additional information besides thatspecifically described and illustrated herein also may be included.

In one embodiment, backer 14 is a bi-fold substrate defining fold line80, about which backer 14 is foldable roughly in half to define a firstpanel 82 and a second panel 84. Second panel 84 is configured to receivea stored-value card 12. As such, in one embodiment, at least two slits86 are formed through second panel 84 and positioned to receive aportion of stored-value card 12. For example, each slit 86 is formed inan angled manner to correspond with one corner of stored-value card 12.Upon placement of stored-value card 12, each corner is slid through oneslit 86 to collectively hold stored-value card 12 in place on backer 14.In one embodiment, four slits 86 are formed, each slit 86 positioned toreceive one of the four corners of stored-value card 12. Other suitablemethods of coupling a stored-value card 12 to backer 14 such as adhesiveor pockets are also contemplated.

In FIGS. 4A and 4B, backer 14 is unfolded, i.e. is in an openconfiguration. Prior to presentation of a stored-value card 12 andbacker 14 to a recipient, backer 14 is foldable about fold line 80 suchthat the FIG. 4A surfaces of backer 14 are folded towards each other andstored-value card 12 is enclosed in a compact package formed by foldedbacker 14. In this manner, the surfaces of backer 14 illustrated in FIG.4B are disposed toward the outside of the folded, compact package,according to embodiments of the invention. In one embodiment, foldedbacker 14 effectively wraps stored-value card 12 for presentation to arecipient. In one embodiment, fold line 80 is alternatively two foldlines slightly spaced from one another to accommodate a thickness ofstored-value card 12.

In one embodiment, backer 14 optionally includes a generallysemi-circular cut 88 formed near an outside edge of second panel 84opposite first panel 82. In one embodiment, cut 88 is generally centeredupon second panel 84. Accordingly, semi-circular cut 88 defines agenerally semi-circular flap 90, which can be partially bent away fromthe remainder of backer 14. More specifically, upon folding of backer 14about fold line 80 to enclose stored-value card 12, flap 90 is pulledaway from the remainder of second panel 84 to interface with an opposingedge of first panel 82. In this respect, the opposing edge of firstpanel 82 can be tucked beneath flap 90 to maintain backer 14 in a foldedor closed position (not shown). Backers similar to backer 14 can be usedwith various sizes and shapes of stored-value card assembly 10. Otherbackers or packages are also contemplated for supporting stored-valuecard assembly 10.

Additionally referring to FIG. 1, backers 14 are folded about fold line80 and stacked for inclusion in stored-value card assembly 10. In oneexample, the stack of backers 14 is wrapped in a plastic, paper, orother suitable backer wrapper 92 to maintain the stack of backers 14 asa unit. In one embodiment, backer wrapper 92 is a cellophane, heatshrunk or other wrapper. In one embodiment, backer wrapper 92 isgenerally transparent or translucent. Generally, the stack of backers 14includes a number of backers 14 equal to the number of stored-valuecards 12 in chain 58, such as ten, twenty, fifty, etc.

FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of sleeve 16. Sleeve 16 comprises asingle layer or multiple layers of paper or plastic material, forexample, and is relatively stiff but bendable/flexible, according toembodiments of the invention. Other materials are also contemplated.Accordingly, sleeve 16 defines outside surface 108 and inside surface109 (FIG. 1) opposite outside surface 108. In one embodiment, eachsurface 108 and 109 is generally planar. Sleeve 16 includes first,second, third, and fourth perforation lines 100, 102, 104, and 106,respectively, extending laterally and parallel to one another.Perforation lines 100, 102, 104, and 106 divide sleeve 16 into fivepanels, namely, first or top panel 110, second or side panel 112, thirdor bottom panel 114, fourth or side panel 116, and connection tab 118.In one embodiment, top panel 110 and bottom panel 114 are similarlysized, and side panels 112 and 116 are similarly sized.

A pair of apertures 120 are formed through bottom panel 114. In oneembodiment, each aperture 120 is generally rectangular and extends in agenerally longitudinal manner on bottom panel 114. Each aperture 120 islaterally spaced from one another. In particular, each aperture 120 ispositioned to generally align with one of the account identifiers 40 onthe top of the stacks of stored-value cards 12, as illustrated withadditional reference to FIG. 1 and/or FIG. 6B. In one embodiment,indicia 122 are included on outside surface 108 of bottom panel 114 toindicate the order in which the viewable account identifiers 40 shouldbe scanned during activation.

In one embodiment, sleeve 16 displays indicia 124, which includegraphics or text including store logo(s), store name(s), slogans,advertising, instructions, directions, brand indicia, promotionalinformation, holiday indicia, seasonal indicia, media format identifiers(e.g. characters, logos, scenes, or other illustrations relating to atleast one of a movie, television show, book, etc.), characters, etc.Other information and other indicia are also contemplated. For example,sleeve 16 includes indicia 126 identifying how many stored-value cards12 are included in stored-value card assembly 10. Indicia 128 indicate aposition for placement of a sticker to indicate the value of eachstored-value card 12 in stored-value card assembly 10.

Referring to FIG. 1 and the fully assembled views of FIGS. 6A and 6B,upon assembly, sleeve 16 is folded about each perforation line 100, 102,104, and 106 in a similar direction to form sleeve 16 as a rectangulartube with inside surface 109 facing inward. Connection tab 118 is foldedunder to interface with inside surface 109 of top panel 110. Morespecifically, connection tab 118 is adhered to or otherwise secured totop panel 110 to maintain sleeve 16 as the rectangular tube. As such,folded sleeve 16 defines a first open end 130 and a second open end 132opposite first open end 130. However, otherwise shaped and configuredsleeves or housings are also contemplated.

Upon assembly of stored-value card assembly 10, the stack of backers 14are generally aligned with and placed beneath the stack of stored-valuecards 12. Stored-value cards 12 and backers 14 are slid into first openend 130 of sleeve 16 until account identifiers 40 of the first and laststored-value cards 12 in the stack or chain 58 are each visible throughone of apertures 120. In particular, account identifier 40 of a firstcard in chain 58 is visible through aperture 120 near first open end 130of sleeve, and account identifier 40 of a last stored-value card 12 inchain 58 is visible through aperture 120 near second open end 132.

External wrapper 18 is placed about sleeve 16 containing stored-valuecards 12 and the stack of backers 14. In one embodiment, externalwrapper 18 is a cellophane or other suitable material configured to besealed about the remainder of stored-value card assembly 10. In oneexample, external wrapper 18 is generally placed over first panel 110and extends around the panels 112, 114, and 116. External wrapper 18includes a heat seal adhering one portion of external wrapper 18 toanother to collectively form and entirely encompass the remainder of thestored-value card assembly 10. In this respect, stored-value cards 12and the stack of backers 14 are maintained within sleeve 16.

External wrapper 18 is generally transparent or translucent in order toallow a bearer of stored-value card assembly 10 to view sleeve 16 andthe two account identifiers 40 through apertures 120 through externalwrapper 18. More specifically, in one embodiment, account identifier 40is viewable and scannable through external wrapper 18. In this respect,stored-value cards 12 can be activated or loaded by scanning accountidentifiers 40 through external wrapper 18. As such, the scannableaccount identifiers provide one example of means for activating thestored-value cards 12 as will be further described below.

In other examples, external wrapper 18 is another suitable and generallytranslucent or transparent material secured about and vacuum orotherwise sealed to the remainder of stored-value card assembly 10. Inone example, external wrapper 18 is heat shrunk to fit around theremainder of stored-value card assembly 10. Accordingly, sleeve 16and/or wrapper 18 provide one example of means for maintaining theplurality of stored-value cards 12 in a single package.

Once external wrapper 18 is secured about sleeve 16, in one embodiment,a sticker 134 is applied to external wrapper 18 to provide a surface foraccepting ink. In particular, sticker 134 states that the value added toeach stored-value card 12 of the package should be written in at thepoint-of-sale terminal. For example, sticker 134 may state “Value ofeach card $ ______.” Upon activation of stored-value cards 12 instored-value card assembly 10, the clerk, consumer, or other individualwrites the value loaded to each stored-value card 12 in the blankprovided by sticker 134, for example as generally indicated in dashedlines in FIG. 6A.

Once fully assembled, stored-value card assembly 10 is configured fordisplay or presentation to potential consumers. The external wrapper 18generally maintains the entire stored-value card assembly 10 as apackage for sale as a single unit. In one embodiment, even if externalwrapper 18 is removed, card wrapper 50 generally maintains stored-valuecards 12 in chain 58 to generally prevent or impede inadvertent ordeliberate removal of stored-value cards 12 from the middle of chain 58.More specifically, chain 58 generally prevents or impedes removal of oneof stored-value cards 12 in the middle of chain 58, i.e., between thefirst stored-value card 12 and the last stored-value card 12 in chain58. This is an advantage as, otherwise, removal of a stored-value card12 in the middle of chain 58 might go undetected until well afteractivation of stored-value cards 12 in stored-value card assembly 10, inwhich case a consumer would pay for all stored-value cards 12 in theexpected range, even though at least one stored-value card 12 might bemissing from that range. Following activation, a holder of the missingstored-value card 12, other than the consumer or intended recipient,could then redeem the stored-value card 12 for goods and/or services.Embodiments of the invention thus reduce the likelihood of theft of oneor more of stored-value cards 12 in chain 58.

FIG. 7 illustrates a flow chart of one embodiment of a method 150 ofusing stored-value card assembly 10. At 152, a potential consumer ofstored-value card assembly 10, which is displayed in a retail store,selects a stored-value card assembly 10 for purchase from the retailstore. For example, stored-value card assembly 10 is one of a pluralityof stored-value card assemblies displayed in a retail setting topotential consumers. In one embodiment, different stored-value cardassemblies 10 are displayed having different numbers (e.g., ten, twenty,fifty, etc.) of stored-value cards 12 included in each stored-value cardassembly 10. In one embodiment, different stored-value card assemblies10 are displayed to potential consumers for different holidays, events,or other occasions.

At 154, the selected stored-value card assembly 10 is purchased by theconsumer. In particular, at 156, stored-value card assembly 10 ispresented to and processed for sale by a retail store employee, retailstore kiosk, or other person or device. FIG. 8 more specificallyillustrates the method of processing stored-value card assembly 10 forsale. At 160, the point-of-sale terminal (POS), such as a cash register,sale kiosk, etc., is placed in a range entry mode. In range entry mode,the POS terminal is configured to read or receive a range of accountidentifiers 40 for activation rather than just one account identifier40.

At 162, account identifier 40 of the first stored-value card 12 instored-value card assembly 10 is scanned through external wrapper 18 atthe POS terminal. In one example, account identifier 40 of the firststored-value card 12 is identified by a “1,” “First,” or other orderindicia 122 configured to direct the retail employee or consumer toaccount identifier 40 of the first, rather than the last, stored-valuecard 12. At 164, the number of stored-value cards 12 in stored-valuecard assembly 10 is optionally input into the POS terminal. In oneembodiment, the number to be input is indicated on sleeve 16 by indicia126. In other embodiments, method 156 continues from 162 directly to 166without entering the number of stored-value cards at 164.

At 166, the last stored-value card 12 in stored-value card assembly 10is scanned through external wrapper 18 at the POS terminal. In oneexample, account identifier 40 of the last stored-value card 12 isidentified by a “2,” “Last,” or other order indicia 122. At 168, POSterminal compares account identifier 40 of first stored-value card 12 toaccount identifier 40 of last stored-value card 12 to determine thenumber of stored-value cards 12 corresponding within the range ofaccount identifiers capped by the account identifiers 40 of first andlast stored-value cards 12. For example, if account identifier 40 offirst stored-value card 12 is “1029” and account identifier 40 of laststored-value card 12 is “1020,” then the account identifier 40 of laststored-value card 12 is subtracted from account identifier 40 of firststored-value card 12 to determine that ten account identifiers 40 are inthe scanned range, and as a result, that ten stored-value cards areincluded in stored-value card assembly 10.

In one embodiment in which the number of stored-value cards 12 wasentered at 164, then the number of stored-value cards 12 within therange is compared to the expected number of stored-value cards 12identified at 164. If the numbers match, the process continues. If thenumbers do not match, the stored-value card assembly 10 may be flawedand a new stored-value card assembly 10 is substituted or the selectedstored-value card assembly 10 is inspected for a missing stored-valuecard 12 or other flaw. In other embodiments, the verification of thenumber of stored-value cards 10 at steps 164 and as included in step 168is eliminated.

At 170, a monetary value to be placed on each stored-value card 12 instored-value card assembly 10 is entered into the POS terminal. Themonetary value can be pre-assigned to stored-value card assembly 10, ora consumer can specify at the POS terminal the monetary value he/shewishes to place on each stored-value card 12 in stored-value cardassembly 10. Accordingly, the POS terminal accesses the financialaccount or record linked to all cards within the range (i.e., all cardswithin stored-value card assembly 10) and adds the monetary valueentered to each of the accessed financial accounts or records. In oneembodiment, upon entering the value in the POS terminal, the retailemployee or other individual writes the value placed on eachstored-value card 12 on sticker 134. At 172, the consumer pays for thestored-value card assembly 10, which, in one embodiment, is equal to thetotal amount of value loaded onto stored-value cards 12. Once thetransaction is complete, each stored value card 12 in stored-value cardassembly 10 is activated at 172.

At 180, the consumer removes external wrapper 18 and removes backers 14and stored-value cards 12 from sleeve 16. In one embodiment, at leastone stored-value card 12 of stored-value card assembly 10 is removedfrom card wrapper 50 and coupled to a corresponding backer 14 asdescribed above. Backer 14 is folded to enclose stored-value card 12. At182, the consumer optionally gives each stored-value card 12 to arecipient, such as an employee, graduate, relative, friend, expectantparents, one having a recent or impending birthday, couple having arecent or impending anniversary, etc. As an alternative, the consumerkeeps one or more stored-value cards 12 for his or her own use. At 184,the consumer optionally returns any unused stored-value cards 12 to theretail store if the consumer desires to do so.

At 186, the consumer or recipient, whoever is in current ownership orotherwise is the current bearer of each stored-value card 12, redeemsthe respective stored-value card 12 for goods and/or services from theretail store. At 188, the current bearer of stored-value card 12optionally adds value to stored-value card 12, and more particularly, tothe financial account or financial record associated with stored-valuecard 12, at the retail store or over the Internet. Upon redeemingstored-value card 12 at 186 or adding value to stored-value card 12 at188, the current bearer of stored-value card 12 subsequently can performthe other steps 186 or 188 as desired. In one embodiment, the ability ofthe current bearer to repeat redeeming stored-value card 12 at 186 islimited by whether the financial account or record associated withstored-value card 12 has any value at the time of attempted redemption.

Although described above as occurring at a single retail store, in oneembodiment, purchasing stored-value card assembly 10 at 154, redeemingstored-value card 12 at 186, and adding value to stored-value card 12 at188, can each be performed at any one of a number of stores adapted toaccept stored-value card 12 or over the Internet. In one example, thenumber of stores are in a chain of similarly branded stores. In oneexample, the number of stores includes at least one website and/or atleast one conventional brick and mortar store.

In one embodiment, the plurality of stored-value cards 12 instored-value card assembly 10 are generic gift cards not specificallyrelated to any particular occasion or holiday. Accordingly, suchstored-value card assemblies 10 can be purchased by a wide range ofconsumers for a wide range of purposes. In one embodiment, the pluralityof stored-value cards 12 in stored-value card assembly 10 are related toa particular holiday, event, or occasion. In one example, eachstored-value card 12 is related to the same occasion, such as abirthday, and stored-value card assembly 10 is offered as a party packor other assembly providing stored-value cards 12 for the purpose ofdistribution as door prizes, game prizes, gifts, etc. for guests at abirthday party. With this in mind, the plurality of backers 14 may alsorelate to the holiday, event, or occasion corresponding withstored-value cards 12.

In another example, stored-value card assembly 10 includes stored-valuecards 12 for a plurality of different occasions, such as holidays,events, occasions, etc. As such, once a consumer purchases stored-valuecard assembly 10, the consumer has a plurality of stored-value cards 12that can be given as gifts to different individuals for differentreasons, such as holidays, occasions, etc. In one embodiment, backers 14are each related to one of the plurality of different occasions tocorresponding with a holiday or occasion related to one or more ofstored-value cards 12. Accordingly, in one example, each stored-valuecard 12 is matched and coupled to a corresponding backer 14 prior tobeing given to a recipient.

As illustrated with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, in one embodiment,stored-value card assembly 10 includes a plurality of greeting cards 200as an alternative to or in addition to backers 14. As described withbackers 14, each greeting card can relate to an occasion or holidaycorresponding with an occasion or holiday of one of stored-value cards12. In one embodiment, in which all stored-value cards 12 are generic,greeting cards 200 can also be generic or may each be related to avariety of holidays or occasions.

In particular, in one embodiment, each greeting card 200 comprises asingle layer or multiple layers of paper or plastic material, forexample, generally in the form of a relatively stiff butbendable/flexible card. Other materials are also contemplated. In FIGS.9A and 9B, greeting card 200 is unfolded, i.e. is in an openconfiguration. FIG. 9A illustrates outside surface 202, and FIG. 9Billustrates inside surface 204. Greeting card 200 includes a fold line206 dividing greeting card 200 into first panel 208 and second panel210.

First panel 208 and/or second panel 210 include decorative indicia 212including graphics, text, or other information including store logo(s),store name(s), slogans, advertising, instructions, directions, brandindicia, promotional information, holiday indicia, seasonal indicia,media format identifiers, characters, etc. In one embodiment, secondpanel 210 includes slits 214 similar to slits 86 of backer 14(illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B) to receive stored-value card 12 orother means for coupling stored-value card 12 to greeting card 200. Inone embodiment, greeting card 200 does not include means for beingcoupled with stored-value card 12, but rather receives stored-value card12 and/or backer 14 in a loose manner. Greeting card 200 is folded aboutfold line 206 to move inside surface of first panel 208 to meet insidesurface of second panel 210. Accordingly, whether secured to greetingcard 200 or loosely laid in greeting card 200, stored-value card 12 isinterposed between first and second panels 208 and 210.

Stored-value cards come in many forms, according to embodiments of theinvention. The gift card, like other stored-value cards, can be“re-charged” or “reloaded” at the direction of the original consumer, agift recipient, or a third party. The term “loading on” or “loaded on”herein should be interpreted to include adding to the balance of afinancial account or a financial record associated with the stored-valuecard. The balance associated with the stored-value card declines as thecard is used, encouraging repeat visits to the retail store. Thestored-value card remains in the user's purse or wallet, serving as anadvertisement or reminder to re-visit the associated merchant as well.Gift cards, according to embodiments of the invention, provide a numberof advantages to both the consumer and the merchant. Other gift cardsand stored-value cards according to embodiments of the invention includeloyalty cards, merchandise return cards, electronic gift certificates,employee cards, frequency cards, prepaid cards, and other types of cardsassociated with or representing purchasing power or monetary value, forexample.

Although the invention has been described with respect to particularembodiments, such embodiments are for illustrative purposes only andshould not be considered to limit the invention. Various alternativesand changes will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Forexample, stored-value cards may be purchased in a non-activated stateand a consumer can subsequently activate each or a range of stored-valuecards by phone or over the Internet prior to giving the stored-valuecards as a gift(s) to a desired recipient(s). Other modifications withinthe scope of the invention and its various embodiments will be apparentto those of ordinary skill.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A system for presenting and processing a pluralityof financial transaction cards, the system comprising: a financialtransaction card assembly including: a plurality of financialtransaction cards each linked to a different financial account in asequential range of financial accounts, the plurality of financialtransaction cards including a first financial transaction card, linkedto a first financial account of the sequential range of financialaccounts via a first account identifier, and a second financialtransaction card, linked to a last financial account of the sequentialrange of financial accounts via a second account identifier, and apackage enclosing the plurality of financial transaction cards andindicating the first account identifier and the second accountidentifier respectively associated with the first financial transactioncard and the second financial transaction card of the plurality offinancial transaction cards; and a point-of-sale terminal including areader configured to read at least the first account identifier and thesecond account identifier, wherein upon reading the first accountidentifier and the second account identifier of the financialtransaction card assembly, the point-of sale terminal is configured toactivate all the different financial accounts in the sequential range offinancial accounts such that all of the plurality of financialtransaction cards are ready for financial redemption toward a price ofone or more purchases of one or more of goods and services.
 22. Thesystem of claim 21, wherein the first account identifier and the secondaccount identifier are each a different bar code.
 23. The system ofclaim 21, further comprising a database remote from the plurality offinancial transaction cards and the point-of sale terminal, the databasestoring each of the different financial accounts in the sequential rangeof financial accounts and facilitating tracking a monetary valueassociated with each of the different financial accounts in thesequential range of financial accounts and available toward the price ofthe one or more purchases of the one or more of goods and services. 24.The system of claim 21, wherein the point-of-sale terminal is configuredto receive a monetary value from an operator and to load each of thedifferent financial accounts in the sequential range of financialaccounts with the monetary value such that the monetary value isavailable toward the price of the one or more purchases of the one ormore of goods and services using a corresponding one of the plurality offinancial transaction cards.
 25. The system of claim 21, wherein: eachof the plurality of financial transaction cards includes a differentaccount identifier linking each of the plurality of financialtransaction cards to a corresponding one of the different financialaccounts of the sequential range of financial accounts, and thedifferent account identifiers corresponding with the plurality offinancial transaction cards, other than the first account identifier andthe second account identifier, are substantially obscured while theplurality of financial transaction cards are enclosed in the package.26. The system of claim 21, wherein the point of sale terminal isconfigured to activate all the different financial accounts in the ofthe sequential range of financial accounts without reading the differentaccount identifiers corresponding with the ones of the plurality offinancial transaction cards other than the first financial transactioncard and the second financial transaction card.
 27. The system of claim21, wherein the plurality of financial transaction cards includes atleast three financial transaction cards.
 28. The system of claim 21,wherein the first financial transaction card and the second financialcard of the financial transaction card assembly are positioned withinthe package such that the point-of-sale terminal can read the firstaccount identifier directly from the first financial transaction cardand the second account identifier directly from the second financialtransaction card.
 29. The system of claim 21, wherein the point-of-saleterminal is configured to process a retail sale.
 30. The system of claim21, wherein at least a portion of the plurality of financial transactioncards is visible through the package.
 31. The system of claim 21,wherein the package includes two different materials.
 32. The system ofclaim 31, wherein: one of the two different materials defines a sleeveextending around the plurality of financial transaction cards, and theother of the two different materials defines a wrapper enclosing thesleeve and the plurality of financial transaction cards.
 33. The systemof claim 21, wherein: the package includes a card wrapper enclosing onlythe plurality of financial transaction cards, and the plurality offinancial transaction cards are viewable through the card wrapper.
 34. Astored-value card system comprising: a database storing a series offinancial records bounded by a first financial record and a lastfinancial record; and a stored-value card assembly including: a numberof stored-value cards each associated with a different one of the seriesof financial records by a different one of a plurality ofmachine-readable identifiers, the number of stored-value cards includinga first stored-value card associated with the first financial record anda last stored-value card associated with the last financial record, andmeans for completely surrounding the number of stored-value cards, themeans for completely surrounding the number of stored-value cardsincluding means for indicating the different ones of the plurality ofmachine-readable identifiers corresponding to the first stored-valuecard and the first financial record and to the last stored-value cardand the last financial record.
 35. The stored-value card system of claim34, wherein one or more of the plurality of machine-readable identifiersother than the different ones of the plurality of machine-readableidentifiers corresponding to the first stored-value card and the firstfinancial record and to the last stored-value card and the lastfinancial record are obscured within the stored-value card assembly. 36.The stored-value card system of claim 34, further comprising a retailregister configured to: read the plurality of machine-readableidentifiers, and activate all of the different ones of the series offinancial records based on reading only two of the different ones of theplurality of machine-readable identifiers, the only two of the differentones of the plurality of machine-readable identifiers corresponding tothe first stored-value card and the first financial record and to thelast stored-value card and the last financial record, wherein the onlytwo different ones of the plurality of machine-readable identifiers areread from the stored-value card assembly.
 37. The stored-value cardsystem of claim 36, wherein: each of the series of financial records hasa zero balance until activated by the retail register, and the retailregister loads each of the series of financial records with a commonbalance value when activating all of the series of financial records.38. The stored-value card system of claim 34, wherein the databasefacilitates tracking a monetary balance for each of the series offinancial records available toward a price of a retail purchase when oneof the number of stored-value cards corresponding with a respectivedifferent one of the series of financial records is presented during theretail purchase.
 39. A financial transaction card system for presentingand processing a plurality of financial transaction cards, the systemincluding: a database storing a sequential range of financial recordsbounded by a first financial record and a last financial record; afinancial transaction card assembly including: a plurality of financialtransaction cards each linked with a different one of the sequentialrange of financial records by a different one of a plurality ofmachine-readable account identifiers, the plurality of financialtransaction cards including a first financial transaction cardassociated with the first financial record and a last financialtransaction card associated with the last financial record; a packagecompletely surrounding the plurality of financial transaction cards, thepackage including means for indicating the different ones of theplurality of machine-readable account identifiers corresponding to thefirst financial transaction card and the first financial record and tothe last financial transaction card and the last financial record; and apoint-of-sale terminal including a reader configured to read thedifferent ones of the plurality of machine-readable account identifiers,wherein upon reading the different ones of the plurality ofmachine-readable account identifiers corresponding to the firstfinancial transaction card and the first financial record and to thesecond financial transaction card and the second financial record, thepoint-of sale terminal is configured to activate all of the sequentialrange of financial records such that all of the plurality of financialtransaction cards are ready for financial redemption toward a price ofone or more purchases of one or more of goods and services.
 40. Thesystem of claim 39, wherein the plurality of machine-readable accountidentifiers are a plurality of bar codes.